Hiking in the Midwest, the scenery can change at every season. From the diversity of plants to its wildlife, the Highbanks Metro Park unveils something new each time I visit. What draws me here is the spectacular eagle’s nest viewing area, equipped with binoculars for visitors to enjoy watching the eagles and their young.
My hike began at the Oak Coves Picnic Area where I picked up the Overlook Trail and then finished my trek across the Dripping Rock Trails for a total of 4.1 miles in a double loop. A small connector trail added about fifteen minutes to my hike. A couple of side trails led to a protected Native American mound, while another provided an overlook to view the Olentangy State Scenic River.
My first stop was the Pool family cemetery, which is believed to be the resting place of the first white settlers in this area. The first evidence of Indian life at Highbanks are the earthworks that cover 1500 feet. The area, shaped like the letter C, is said to be from the Cole Indians who built this wall to protect their village from attack.
I reached the fork in the road and decided to take the path that reached the overlook. I climbed 110 feet to the deck for the panoramic view of the Olentangy River and the sycamore trees below.
Off in the distance was an eagle’s nest. During the late winter and early spring months, the park staff set up a telescope for a closer view of the eagles and the eaglets after they have hatched.
The trail reached back around to the start of the loop where I backtracked over the connector that joined the two trails. Before reaching the Dripping Rock Trail, I managed to see a side trail to the Adena Mound, so I took the detour to explore a bit of American history.
I exited the mound trail and made a right towards the nature center. While I didn’t make a stop, I learned that it is a great facility for bird watching.
The Dripping Rock Trail is a pretty straightforward loop with a couple of locations to see dripping rocks. There is an observation deck three miles into the walk, which is a wonderful location to view wildflowers. After passing under the overpass, climbing a small hill and crossing a bridge, the trail had come to an end.
This trail is considered moderate due to the hills, but it is manageable with some great observation decks and artifacts. For more information about Highbanks Metro Park and this trail, visit the Columbus Metro Parks website at www.metroparks.net. Happy Trails!
What to See and What to Do:
Highbanks Metro Park
9466 Columbus Pike
Lewis Center, OH 43035
Telephone: 614 906 3149
- Admission Fee: No admission fee
- Hours: Daily from 6:30AM to 10PM from April to September and 6:30AM to 8 PM from October to March
- Amenities: Eagle sighting; Adena mounds, hiking, biking, shelters and lodges, canoeing/kayaking, cross country skiing, day camps, fishing, nature centers, picnicking and sledding.
- Scenic View: Eagle Observation deck provides an amazing opportunity to view the eagle’s nest at the park.
- Length of Visit: at least 1 hour
- Tips for Your Visit: Camping is not permitted at the park and no person is permitted to feed the park animals.
Where to Stay:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Columbus – Worthington
175 Hutchinson Avenue
Columbus, OH 43235
Telephone: 614 885 3334
Where to Eat:
Saigon Asian Bistro
50 Neverland Drive
Lewis Center, OH 43035
Telephone: 740 657 8887
The chicken lettuce wraps (appetizer) was exceptional and had a bit of heat, which suited me fine.
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From Adena Mounds to Ant Hills, there is so much to see at Highbanks!
Delicate Flowers at Highbanks Metro Park, Columbus
Taking the bridge over the creek